Experiencing a New Normal

We had a great time at the Iowa State Fair.  It seems like every year there is something that makes it different - and I haven't quite figured out if I like it or not.  This year my nephew had football practice - so he only came up on weekends.  My sister-in-law now teaches - so she had to go back home during the second half of the fair - which left the boys and I up there by ourselves for part of the fair.  We got to see and experience all of our favorite things and then some!  We camped in a new territory this year - which ended up being really nice. We even got on the IPTV Fair show three times!  Here are some pictures highlighting our time at the fair! Charlie was the only one that competed in the big wheel races this year - the other two were too old.  He got third in his heat! Will and Charlie did Mutton Bustin' again.  This was Will's last year and he did well.  Charlie wasn't really sure that he wanted to do it (I sort o...

The boys have officially been back to school now for one week.  So far things are going well.  We are venturing into new territory.  Anthony is now in 5th grade - a grade and wing of the elementary we haven't been down before.  Will is in 3rd grade and has a teacher we've never had.  Charlie is in 1st grade with a teacher we have had and like!  TJ would have been in 7th grade - JR HIGH - this year!  I often wonder what this year would have looked like had he still been here.  We are hoping and praying for a good school year.

This was the first year we were able to experience the county fair with one of our kiddos actually participating.  The fair sure has changed from when I was an exhibitor (isn't that what all parents say?), however we still had an enjoyable week - a bit exhausting - but enjoyable!  We have a reserved camping spot there - so it made it easy to be there in time for chores and enjoy the other activities going on at the fair.  Time got away from us so Anthony's only project this year was Buddy - which was probably enough for this year!  I do believe I was more of a nervous wreck than Anthony - all because of added pressure I put on myself.  Anyway, Buddy did really well - he got Reserve County Bred Steer!!  Not too bad for our first year of showing!  We sold Buddy at the auction that last Saturday of the fair.  We were beyond pleased with what he brought.  When the time came for us to say good bye after he sold, I do believe the three of us (...

A few months ago - I think it was actually Fourth of July weekend - Jon and I along with a couple of friends of ours headed to Sully for a murder mystery supper.  I have always wanted to go to one of these things and it proved to be a GREAT evening full of fun!  The food was fabulous, the murder mystery was hilarious and the fellowship with our friends was fantastic!!  Michael and Kelly, Jon and I, Kelly and LeAnn Jon posing with one of the actors! Kelly doing his part to help figure out who murdered Captain Jack Blackheart!

Stay tuned as I am going to try to catch up with all that's been going on with us (and not necessarily in any particular order).  If my computer works correctly and if time allows I hope to get a few things up yet today.  Otherwise look for updates a little at a time the rest of this week!

I have SO much to share and not enough time to do it.  Look for MANY updates AFTER the Iowa State Fair!!